Shapr: When Swiping Right Can Land Jobs

Meet Shapr: a networking app in the digital age. Think of it as the brainchild of the apps LinkedIn and Tinder. Recently, advertisements for Shapr have been popping up on campus, so FANGLE decided to do some digging about the realistic marketing aspects of the app.

Forbes’s “This App Makes Professional Networking As Easy As Swiping Right” explains in detail that “Shapr is an app that takes a new approach to professional networking. Using a smart algorithm, Shapr provides 10-15 profiles of other professionals nearby with similar interests to be evaluated daily. Much like the popular dating app, Tinder, users swipe left or right to indicate if they would like to connect with the individual. Once two individuals both swipe right on each other’s profile, they can message to connect over coffee in person.”

The app works similar to Tinder where it presents similar profiles that its algorithm think would pair well with the user. The user then can “swipe right” if the user thinks the compatibility is right. If both users swipe right, then it’s a match and they can message each other for professional situations. The app, it seems, targets its audience to millennials, while digital networking is made easier.

iTunes reviews are generally pretty positive about the app, calling it a genius invention that makes networking and marketing easier, especially in intense travel situations.

Emily O’Flynn, a junior majoring in Strategic Communication in Scripps weighs in, “I think it’s an interesting idea in theory! I would have to learn more about the app because on Tinder you judge people on physical appearances and I don’t believe you should judge professional based on what people’s faces look like.”

O’Flynn continues with “I believe this will be a great way to meet other professionals in the industry in a more casual setting! I think this app will work better to meet professionals similar to you rather than recruiting potential talent for companies… I love both Tinder and LinkedIn, so I would at least try out the app.”

“Shapr seems like an interesting idea, but I don’t know how widely used or successful it will be,” says freshman Elena Golubovich. “I think it will be a speed round of looking through resumes, which will benefit employers, [but] employees will have face-to-face effect taken away from them as a result of social media interaction.”

Golubovich concedes with the notion of trying out the app with “because I don’t employ anyone, no. As an employee, maybe. I’d wait a little while to watch its success.”